River Exe facts for kids

The River Exe is a river found in the county of Devon in England. It usually flows directly south through the city of Exeter. The river's wide mouth, where it meets the sea, is called an estuary. This type of estuary is known as a ria, which means it's a river valley that has been "drowned" by the sea.

The city of Exeter gets its name from the river. "Exeter" means "castle on the River Exe."

Discovering the River Exe

The River Exe is an important waterway in southwest England. It starts its journey on Exmoor, a beautiful area of open moorland. From there, it flows south for about 90 kilometres (56 miles).

Where the Exe Flows

The river travels through different landscapes. It passes through small towns and villages before reaching the larger city of Exeter. After Exeter, the river widens into its estuary before finally emptying into the English Channel.

What is a Ria?

A ria is a special type of estuary. Imagine a river valley that was formed long ago. As sea levels rose over thousands of years, the sea flooded this valley. This creates a deep, wide, and often winding inlet where the river meets the ocean. The Exe Estuary is a great example of a ria.

The Exe's History and Importance

For a long time, the River Exe was very important for trade and industry. In the past, there were many mills along the river. These mills used the river's power to make things like paper and textiles (cloth). The river also helped create valuable land by draining wet, marshy areas. This made the land useful for farming and building.

Today, the River Exe is still important for many reasons. It's a home for wildlife and a place where people enjoy activities like sailing and birdwatching.

Images for kids

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  The River Exe at Exeter Quay.

See also

In Spanish: Río Exe para niños